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Old disease, new targets--part-I, solid malignancies

Shiyam Kumar1, Nehal Masood, Asim Jamal Shaikh

  • 1Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|June 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Targeted cancer therapies like trastuzumab, bevacizumab, and cetuximab show promise. While generally safe, their high cost presents a challenge for developing nations.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Targeted agents are increasingly vital in cancer treatment.
  • Trastuzumab is a key therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer, improving survival.
  • Bevacizumab (anti-VEGF MoAB) and cetuximab (anti-EGFR MoAB) are expanding roles in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the established and emerging roles of targeted therapies in cancer treatment.
  • To highlight the efficacy and safety profiles of specific targeted agents.
  • To address the accessibility and cost considerations of these treatments in developing countries.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trial data and established treatment guidelines.
  • Analysis of efficacy and survival data for key targeted agents.
  • Discussion of safety profiles and economic factors impacting treatment access.

Main Results:

  • Trastuzumab demonstrates significant benefits in HER2-positive breast cancer.
  • Bevacizumab and cetuximab show efficacy across multiple cancer types, including colorectal cancer.
  • Sorafenib and sunitinib are effective in renal carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Imatinib and sunitinib have roles in gastrointestinal tumors.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies offer significant advancements in cancer care.
  • The safety profiles of these agents are generally favorable.
  • The high cost of targeted therapies remains a significant barrier, particularly for developing countries.

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